If you’re staring at your brokerage app right now wondering why the tickers aren’t moving or if you have time to squeeze in one last trade, you aren't alone. It's Friday, January 16, 2026. The short answer is: Yes, the stock market is still open today.
But there is a "but."
People are searching for this today because we are staring down a long holiday weekend. While the doors are open at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq right now, the vibe on Wall Street is already shifting. Usually, the Friday before a three-day weekend sees volume dry up by the afternoon.
Is Stock Market Still Open Today? The January 16 Reality
Today is a perfectly normal trading day in terms of official hours. You’ve got the standard 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET window for the core session.
👉 See also: Exelon Stock Price Today: Why This Utility Giant Is Creeping Higher
If you are trying to buy 100 shares of Nvidia or some random ETF, the lights are on. However, if you are looking at the calendar and seeing Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaching this Monday, January 19, you’re likely sensing the impending shutdown.
The markets will be fully closed on Monday. This makes today the "get your house in order" day.
What’s happening with the Bond Market?
The bond market is a different beast. While the NYSE stays open until 4:00 p.m., the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) often recommends different paths for fixed income. For today, January 16, bonds are trading normally, but don't expect a lot of fireworks.
Institutional traders—the folks moving millions—often head for the exits early on these Fridays. They want to beat the traffic to the Hamptons or just get a head start on the long weekend. This means "liquidity" can get a little thin.
When liquidity is low, prices can jump around more than usual. It's like trying to buy a loaf of bread when only one register is open; any small crowd makes the line look huge.
🔗 Read more: Krispy Kreme Phone Number: What Most People Get Wrong
Why the Schedule Matters More Than You Think
Most people think the market is just a "yes/no" thing. It’s open or it’s not. Kinda.
Actually, there are "gray zones" like pre-market and after-hours trading. Even though the core session ends at 4:00 p.m. ET, you can technically trade until 8:00 p.m. ET on most platforms. But be careful.
Trading after the closing bell today might be extra quiet. With the market closed all day Monday, any news that breaks over the weekend—geopolitical shifts, a surprise CEO resignation, or a Sunday night crypto crash—won't be "priced in" until Tuesday morning.
Pro Tip: If you hold a risky position over a long weekend, you are exposed to "Gap Risk." This is when the price on Tuesday morning is significantly different from today's closing price because the market had three days of news to digest while it was closed.
The 2026 Holiday Trap
Let's talk about the specific weirdness of 2026. This year, the calendar is a bit of a minefield for casual investors.
- Today (Jan 16): Fully Open.
- Monday (Jan 19): Fully Closed (MLK Day).
- Tuesday (Jan 20): Re-opens at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Interestingly, some people get confused because MLK's actual birthday is January 15. Yesterday, markets in India (the NSE and BSE) were actually closed for local elections, but the US stayed open. If you see "Market Closed" on a global news site, always check which market they mean.
Common Myths About Market Hours
You've probably heard that the stock market is "global" and never sleeps. That's true for Crypto. It's somewhat true for Forex (Foreign Exchange). It is not true for the NYSE or Nasdaq.
When 4:00 p.m. hits today, the "Lit" exchanges stop.
Another myth: "I can always cancel my order if the market is closed."
Well, maybe. If you place a "Market Order" at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday night, your broker will likely hold it in a queue. The second the market opens Tuesday morning, it executes at whatever the current price is. If there was bad news over the weekend, you might buy at a much higher (or sell at a much lower) price than you expected.
Actionable Steps for Today
Since the stock market is still open today, but heading into a long break, here is what you should actually do:
💡 You might also like: Is a Cash App Card a Prepaid Card? Why the Answer Is Kinda Complicated
- Check your Stops: If you have "Stop Loss" orders, make sure they are where you want them. A lot can happen in 72 hours.
- Review Margin: If you’re trading on borrowed money (margin), remember that interest often still accrues over the weekend. Three days of interest isn't much, but it adds up if you're leveraged to the hilt.
- Watch the 3:30 p.m. "MOC" Imbalance: The "Market on Close" orders start hitting around 3:30 p.m. ET today. Expect a spike in volume right before the weekend as funds rebalance their portfolios.
- Confirm the T+1 Settlement: Remember that we are now in a $T+1$ settlement world. If you sell a stock today, the cash should technically be settled by Monday, but since Monday is a bank holiday, you likely won't see that cash as "withdrawable" until Tuesday.
The market is open. The clocks are ticking. If you have moves to make, do them before the 4:00 p.m. bell, or be prepared to wait until Tuesday morning to see your ticker symbols turn green or red again.
Final check of the gauges: NYSE is active, Nasdaq is active, and the floor is open for business. Happy trading.